MANILA, Philippines —The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through the Philippine Embassy in Tehran, advised Filipinos against illegal employment arrangements in Iran as foreigners are not allowed to work there.
The DFA issued the warning after an unidentified Filipino, who worked illegally as a household worker in Iran, sought repatriation.
The unidentified Filipino used a tourist visa to enter Iran. The embassy facilitated her repatriation on Oct. 15.
The embasy said it provided her temporary shelter and facilitated her repatraiton "at the expense of her Dubai-based recruitment agency."
It reminded the public that under Iran's Labor Law, foreigners are prohibited from working in Iran, including household service workers, "except for foreign specialists and technical experts required by Iranian government who have been issued the appropriate work permits."
"Filipinos who violate these regulations may face criminal charges and penalties if apprehended," the embassy said in a recent statement.
The embassy urged the public to exercise caution when considering job offers in Iran, particularly direct hiring schemes that require workers to enter the country on tourist or temporary visas for household employment.
"Such arrangements are illegal under Iranian law. Individuals and recruitment agencies that facilitate these illegal employment arrangements may also be held liable and face penalities, " it added.
The embassy "remains steadfast in its commitment to assoisting distressed Filipinos in Iran and othger countries within its jurisdiction and safeguarding their safety, welfare, and protection."
There are about 800 to 1,000 Filipinos in Iran mostly permanent residents and family members of Iranians.
